When discussing the absence of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (who head coach Dennis Allen said “will take some time” recovering from a knee injury), Saints quarterback Jameis Winston didn’t mince words. Winston said he’s been “in New Orleans for four years and they still haven’t been able to replace Michael Thomas,” during his Monday locker room media availability.
Chris Olave being on the team makes this statement even more powerful. Olave is the team’s leading receiver with 94 targets, 56 receptions, and 657 yards, but Thomas’ impact can’t be understated. Thomas has been the most consistent receiver on the team, despite shotty usage. He also has a different build at 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds than Olave (6-foot-0, 187 pounds) and Rashid Shaheed (6-foot-0, 180 pounds). There are assignments and plays the Saints can call for Thomas that his teammates can’t be expected to achieve.
Winston outlined a committee as the route to replacing Thomas’ production; the Saints recently re-signed wide receivers Keith Kirkwood and Marquez Callaway, but the most intriguing member of that committee is rookie draft pick A.T. Perry. Winston said that “Perry was brought in for this situation.”
Last week, Perry recorded his first catch and receiving touchdown of his career. It won’t just be Perry replacing Thomas’ role, however. That’s not fair to ask of the first-year pro. Replacing Michael Thomas will be difficult and may not ever be done. The sooner he’s back in the lineup, the better.
